SBP keep pace with K-Electric in semi-final race

KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) kept the pressure on Group `A` leaders K-Electric by dominating the first day of the fourth-round Patron`s Trophy Grade-II Cricket Tournament against Pakistan Customs at the SBP Sports Complex here on Tuesday.

Opting to bat first, Customs` first innings lasted just 43.5 overs during which they mustered a paltry total of 143 with slow left-armers Asif Fawad and Kashif Bhatti sharing eight wicl(ets between them.

State Bank were already in front as they collected 178-1 thanks to an opening partnership of 120 between Abid Ali (99 not out off 101 balls, 15 boundaries and one six) and the in-form Sami Aslam (61 off 103 balls, two fours).

K-Electric,meanwhile, restricted Pakistan Television (PTV) to 248 all out after the latter elected to bat first at the National Stadium.

Pool `B` leaders PIA saw Omar Associates make 87-3 i the 39th overs of play possible at theDiamond Club Ground in Islamabad.

Bright Paints, who current head Pool `C`, amassed 416-5 against Capital Development Authority at the Lahore Country Club in Muridke.

The highlights of their innings were the excellent knocks from skipper Akbar Badshah and Raza Ali Dar who both completed centuries while sharing a fourth-wicket 236. Akbar scored 143 off 185 balls with 17 boundaries and two sixes and Raza contributed 139 (off 142 balls, 17 fours).

Dollar East began their quest to mal

Captain Usman Saeed led from the front with an undefeated 100 (132 balls, 11 boundaries and two sixes).